No.28 is something of a hidden secret in itself and it’s now there’s another bar to discover in the Grainger Market with the launch of Billy Bootleggers.

Nestled underneath Nelson Street’s popular prosecco haunt, the new American-inspired venue opened on Thursday with drinks flowing and live music playing for its opening weekend.

Specialising in bourbon, Billy Bootleggers should help turn the area more commonly known for shopping into a night out hotspot, given that The Alchemist has just opened opposite.

Billy Bootleggers a new music bar in Nelson Street (Image: newcastle chronicle)

And owner Elliot Towsey says the emphasis is very much on creating a friendly atmosphere for customers to unwind in.

“It’s not an American theme bar as such but it’s definitely American influenced,” he told Chronicle Live.

“I’m a big fan of the underground speakeasy kind of bars, the ones that are a bit of a secret and that’s what we’re going for with Billy Bootleggers.

Billy Bootleggers a new music bar in Nelson Street (Image: newcastle chronicle)

“The American dive bars have a certain charm that rubs off on its customers and in terms of the decor I wanted it to look like it’s been here a long time.

“It’s finished without being polished.”

While Billy Bootleggers bartenders will be serving up all manner of drinks, its bourbon that’s top of the menu and there’s an eclectic mix of flavours to sample.

Billy Bootleggers a new music bar in Nelson Street. Pictured from left are Elliot Towsey and Paul Skevington (Image: newcastle chronicle)

“We’ve got a few different infusions - chocolate, orange, vanilla and peanut to name a few - and I spent last night brewing our own Moonshine which we’ll use for our own version of the Apple Pie Moonshine,” Elliot explains.